The Gray Area with Sean Illing Best of: Clint Smith III on confronting the legacy of slavery
Dec 30, 2021
In this discussion, Clint Smith III, a Staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "How the Word Is Passed," unpacks the legacy of slavery through his research. He dives into the significance of historical sites, reflecting on their roles in shaping public memory. Smith also critiques the complexities in America’s narratives involving figures like Thomas Jefferson. He shares personal insights from parenthood, exploring how it reshapes understanding of historical injustices. Lastly, he highlights the vital contributions of Black voices in education and journalism.
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New Orleans Monuments
- Clint Smith's hometown had more monuments to enslavers than to enslaved people.
- This disparity inspired his book exploring how various sites address their history of slavery.
Oral History as Heirloom
- The title "How the Word Is Passed" comes from a descendant of an enslaved family at Monticello.
- Black families passed down their history orally, creating heirlooms of stories.
Site Selection
- Smith chose sites that represented a variety of perspectives on slavery.
- These locations range from plantations that center enslaved people's experiences to those that ignore them.
